Interesting Facts About Raleigh

What are some fun facts about Raleigh, NC? If you are moving to Raleigh, here are some interesting facts about the area, including information on its location, population, and history. 

Raleigh, NC, is the capital of North Carolina and is an ever-growing metropolis that offers a big city feel with southern charm. As the state capital, there is plenty of history regarding how Raleigh came to be and when it was founded.

If you are moving to Raleigh, prepare to learn new things about the city every day. Home to exciting quirks and surprises at every corner, it is no wonder that so many people are relocating here and purchasing homes for sale. 

Check out these fun facts about Raleigh 

1. Where is Raleigh Located?

Raleigh is the state capital and is in north-central North Carolina. To be more specific, Raleigh is located 24 miles southeast of Durham, 63 miles northeast of Fayetteville, 131 miles northwest of Wilmington, 165 miles northeast of Charlotte, and 155 miles southwest of Richmond, Virginia.

2. How did Raleigh get its name?

Raleigh inherited its name from Sir Walter Raleigh, an explorer, and nobleman who funded the first expeditions to the coast of modern-day North Carolina. He attempted to establish the first English Colony of the new world in the 1580s.

Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the most famous explorers of Elizabeth I's reign, and he quickly became the Queen's favorite. Due to his likeness, the queen forbade him from carrying out his original plan to create English colonies in North America. As the rebel he was, in 1584, 1585, and 1587 Sir Walter organized the voyages that eventually led to his sponsorship of an English colony on Roanoke Island, which is now North Carolina. 

3. When was Raleigh founded? 

Raleigh began as large tracts of land purchased by Issac Hinter and Joel Lane, who were enterprising landholders. After purchasing their land and settling down, they operated taverns and ordinaries for travelers coming through the north-south route.

The formation of Raleigh began when the NC General Assembly needed a permanent location to conduct state government. Since several cities hosted the state seat, the legislature built a centrally located city where they could discuss, meet, and work.

Raleigh was founded in 1972 after the commissioners purchased 1,000 acres from Joel Lane as the capital and is the only state planned and established by a state as the seat of state government. 

4. What county is Raleigh in?

Most of Raleigh is in Wake County, with a small portion extending into Durham County. The other municipalities within Wake County are Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. 

Wake County was officially created in 1771 from parts of Johnston, Cumberland, and Orange Counties. The name Wake County comes from the wife, Margaret Wake Tryon, of the then-royal governor, William Tryon.

Wake County is home to NC State University, Research Triangle Park, and the Carolina Hurricanes. 

5. What is the population of Raleigh? 

As the tenth-most populous city in the Southeast, Raleigh is consistently growing. According to World Population Review, the population of Raleigh, NC, is $472,540. It is also the 2nd largest city in North Carolina and the 41st largest city in the United States. As of 2023, Raleigh is growing at 0.36 annually and by 1.09% since the latest census. Raleigh has a population density of 3,239 people per square mile (147 miles). 

6. How big is Raleigh? 

The city of Raleigh covers a land area of 147.6 square miles and has an average altitude of 96 meters above sea level. 

7. What is Raleigh known as? 

Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its abundance of Oak trees that line the roads and streets in the city's heart. The trees are beautiful and provide a lushes green canopy throughout the area. Raleigh has white, red, and black oaks and hybrid varieties. 

Raleigh is also often called the "Smithsonian of the South" because of the quality and quantity of free museums and as being a part of "The Triangle," which comprises Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. 

8. What is the cost of living in Raleigh? 

According to Rentcafe, the cost of living in Raleigh is 1% higher than the state average and 4% lower than the national average. The cost of necessities is roughly 5% less in Raleigh. Regarding housing, the average monthly rent is $1,612, and home prices are around $400,000. 

Cost of Living in Raleigh, NC	Compared to State's Average	Compared to National Average
Housing (buy and rent)	14% higher	2% lower
Utilities (monthly)	4% higher	2% higher
Food	8% lower	8% lower
Healthcare	4% lower	3% higher
Transportation	1% higher	6% lower
Goods & Services	4% lower	5% lower

9. What are the demographics in Raleigh?  

• White: 57.5%
• Black or African American: 28.9%
• Asian: 4.84%
• Two or more races: 4.25%
• Other races: 4.17%
• Native American: 0.3%
• Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.04%

10. The first public park in North Carolina

Pullen Park has 66 acres of fun and educational opportunities for kids and adults. It was the first public park in North Carolina and the 5th oldest operating amusement park in the United States.

There is a community center, an aquatic center, playgrounds, courts and fields, an arts center, a cafe, a theatre in the park, shelters, and rentals. At Pullen Park, you can:

• Rent a pedal boat
• Ride on a carousel
• Go swimming
• Sign up for an art class
• See a play
• Play sports 

11. Largest selection of beers on tap

Visiting the Raleigh Beer Garden is a must. They have made the Guinness Book of World Records for their supply of over 350 beers, both North Carolina and international options.

The NC bar located downstairs features 144 draft taps, and the global bar located upstairs features 222 varieties from the rest of the world. They also have a rooftop with 12 rotating taps and a 24-tap system in the backyard event field. 

12. Distance from other major cities

• Charlotte, NC - 143 miles 
• Wilmington, NC - 123 miles 
• Washington, D.C. - 251 miles 
• Asheville, NC - 241 miles 
• Nashville, Tenn. - 515 miles
• Orlando, FL - 588 miles 
• Atlanta, GA - 424 miles 
• New York City. NY - 489 miles 
• Chicago, IL - 784 miles 

13. Raleigh has a double-sided flag 

Only 450 cities across the country have a flag, and Raleigh, NC, is one of them. However, Raleigh is one of the only cities with designs on the front and on the back.

The flag that hangs today has been Raleigh's official flag since 1899 and was first designed by the Raleigh flag committee and sewn by Miss Kate Densen. The colors come from Sir Walter Raleigh, the crest pays homage to the Olde English translation of Raleigh, the text "Amore et Virtute" means "by love and virtue," and the seal on the front embodies the "city of oaks" nickname. 

14. The capitol building was originally a tomb 

Some many mysteries and stories surround the Capitol building. One is that the Capitol Building was initially designed as a tomb for the wife of Governor Montfort Stokes. The building became a meeting place for the state legislature when it was too large. 

The Capitol was built in 1840 and is one of the best preserved in the country. Over the year, many have told stories of ghost sightings, voices, hauntings, and more. Additionally, there have been said to be screams of a woman reportedly murdered on the state Capitol's steps. 

All of the stories have never been proven. However, they are widely believed. 

15. Access to the beach and the mountains 

Raleigh, and the state of North Carolina, is extremely popular due to its location on the map. Located halfway between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, you get the best of both worlds. With that, Raleigh is a great place to explore the outdoors. You can take a day trip to the beach to experience various water sports or head to the mountains for hiking and camping. 

16. There are plenty of museums 

Raleigh has many things to do and is home to three major museums that are free and open to the public. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the largest institution in the southeastern United States. The museum combines the concepts of illumination and inspiration and has natural history exhibits, events, classes, and more. The artifacts featured in the museum span over 14,000 years, bringing in over one million visitors a year, making it the state's most-visited museum. 

The North Carolina Museum of History collects and preserves artifacts that relate to the history and heritage of North Carolina. You will see these artifacts through exhibitions, educational programs, and publications. 

The North Carolina Museum of Art spans over 5,000 years and showcases the connection between art and nature. They offer special exhibitions, classes, lectures, family activities, films, dance performances, and concepts. 

17. The Live Music Capital of the south 

If you are in Raleigh, you can check out a live performance and many fun events. It is known that many national acts and DJs make Raleigh a regular stop on their tours. This is possible because Raleigh has the most live music venues concentrated here than anywhere else in the state.

You will be able to see many different genres at numerous venues. Raleigh's Red Hat Amphitheater, The Lincoln Theatre, and Walnut Creek Amphitheatre are the most popular venues, with more to come. 

18. Research Triangle Park 

Raleigh is home to the world's largest technological research park. This research park is a hub of innovation, providing a platform for companies to expand, collaborate, and develop cutting-edge technologies. It is 7,000 acres and located at the center of three Tier-1 Research Universities. Along with technology, government agencies, academic institutions, startups, and nonprofits exist. The Triangle is one of the reasons why Raleigh's economy is thriving. 

19. The First Historically Black University in the south 

Shaw University was the first historically black university in the South, located in the heart of Raleigh. If you didn't know, Shaw University is referred to as an HBCU, which stands for historically black colleges + universities. The university has many "firsts," including being the first HBCU in NC to get an A rating from the NC Department of Public Instruction, the first college in the nation to offer a four-year medical program, and the first HBCU to allow women to attend. 

20. First State Supported Symphony in the country 

The North Carolina Symphony was the first state-supported symphony in the US. It was founded in 1932 and puts on more than 300 concerts, education programs, and community engagement offerings. Additionally, the North Carolina Symphony leads one of the country's most extensive education programs of any symphony orchestra that serves over 100,000 students each year. 

The mission of the North Carolina Symphony is to be "North Carolina's state orchestra - an orchestra achieving the highest standard of artistic quality and performance standards and embracing our dual legacies of statewide service and music education." 

21. Confederate Headquarters during the Civil War 

Raleigh served as a Confederate headquarters during the American Civil War until April 12, 1865. During that time, Union Troops under William Tecumseh Sherman occupied the City without resistance. 

Facts about Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to live in North Carolina and is dedicated to supporting and embracing its history. It is known as the "Smithsonian of the South," "The City of Oaks," "The Triangle," and the "Live Music Capital of the South."

Even though Raleigh has various nicknames and is known for many different things, it will also be known and referred to as the state capital. With its long history, there is an abundance of fun and exciting facts about Raleigh that make it what it is today. There are many "firsts" in Raleigh, so it's always interesting to learn how Raleigh helped shape the state into what it is today. 

Contact one of our experts at Raleigh Realty to find your dream home in Raleigh.